Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Bahamas?
Whether you're traveling by air or sea, here are the passport requirements for the Bahamas.
Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan
If a sun, beach, and azure water-filled vacation to the Bahamas is in your future, congratulations. Before you go, let’s answer one of the most common questions from Americans about visiting the islands: Do you need a passport to travel to the Bahamas?
American travelers visiting the Bahamas can use a few different forms of photo identification — including enhanced driver's licenses, passport books, and passport cards — depending on their travel plans. The travel documents required for a trip to the Bahamas have less to do with where you're going and more to do with how you plan to get there and back into the U.S. There are different rules for air travel and cruises — so here’s what you need to know.
Related: T+L's Guide to the Bahamas
Do you need a passport for a Bahamas cruise?
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. citizens traveling to and from the Bahamas on a cruise may use a passport book or card, an enhanced driver's license, or a Trusted Traveler Program card. Parents should bring a valid copy of their child's birth certificate if they are under the age of 16. U.S. citizens traveling on a closed-loop cruise can re-enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Related: 8 Cruise Destinations That Don't Require a Passport
Do you need a passport if you’re flying to the Bahamas?
According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. citizens traveling to the Bahamas are generally required to present a passport that is valid at the time of entry through departure with at least two available blank pages for stamps. No tourist visa is required for visits up to 90 days. You may also need to provide proof of your planned departure from the Bahamas, like a return flight ticket.
Because the requirements vary depending on the mode of transport, the State Department recommends that all travelers obtain a passport before traveling to the Bahamas. It may not be completely necessary in some circumstances (like a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the U.S.), but we recommend bringing a valid passport with you in case an emergency impacts your travel plans.
Is it safe to travel to the Bahamas?
As of July 2023, the U.S. Department of State lists a Level 2 advisory for travel to the Bahamas due to a slightly elevated risk of crime. The U.S. Department of State also warns that some activities involving "commercial recreational watercraft" are not consistently regulated, and says that travelers should “never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills." If you plan to go swimming, look for local warnings and updates about the weather and water conditions.
Check the U.S. Department of State's Bahamas travel page for up-to-date information.
Related: Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?
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